In 2022, NASCAR unveiled significant upgrades and enhancements to its racing machines, leading to the christening of the new models as Next Generation cars. The Next-Gen cars, also referred to as Gen-7 cars, represent a further evolution from the Gen-6 models.
Major advancements in the Next-Gen cars.
The primary advancements of Next-Gen cars over their predecessors lie in their enhanced aerodynamics and downforce packages. These advancements include aerodynamic vents on the hood, a stepped front splitter, and a redesigned side skirt.
These upgrades greatly reduce side force in the cars. Apart from aerodynamic and downforce upgrades, the Next-Gen car introduces rear diffusers for the first time in NASCAR. The rear diffusers help with the rear-end stability in medium to high-speed corners. The chassis continue to be built with a steel space frame but Next-Gen cars use modular frames for faster setups.
In the previous generation, cars used to have a traditional 4-speed manual gearbox, which is now replaced by 5-speed Xtrac Limited sequential manual transmission.
To enhance drivability, the solid rear axle is forfeited for an independent rear suspension with 5-way adjustable Ohlins TTR dampers.
The previous generation cars used to have 15-inch steel wheels with five lug nuts, which have been made obsolete by the introduction of new 18-inch aluminum wheels that use a single center-locking lug nut. Because of this new wheel design, pit stops are faster.
To improve driver visibility and awareness, the Next Gen car comes equipped with a rear camera, which is installed above the driver's rear window.
FAQ's On Next generation car in NASCAR 2022
A. The Next-Gen car was set to debut in 2021 season, but due the Covid-19 pandemic it was delayed to 2022 season.
A. The Next-Gen car feature improved aerodynamics and downforce packages, rear diffuser introduced for the first time in NASCAR, 5-speed Xtrac Limited sequential manual transmission, an independent rear suspension with 5-way adjustable Ohlins TTR dampers, 18-inch aluminum wheels that use a single center-locking lug nut and rear camera.
A. To reduce pitstop time and for other safety reasons the new 18-inch aluminum wheels with single center-locking lug nuts were introduced.
A. The current Next-Gen car is the 7th-Generation car.
A. It was in 2022 Daytona 500.
